Star Wars: The Clone Wars
Motto:
Alone We Can Do So Little; Together We Can Do So Much.
News Reel:
The Battle for Anaxes!
Following the death of Darth Sidious, one of the Republic's largest shipyards is under attack from the Separatist Fleet led by Admiral Trench. Jedi Generals Plo Koon and Anakin Skywalker lead a two-pronged assault on the ground and in the air. But after weeks of heated battle and mounting losses, the Republic's grip on Anaxes begins to slip away...
Fort Anaxes was in chaos. Almost every five minutes saw the arrival of more gunships, offloading even more wounded clones. Not only that, but the Republic itself was losing several fronts on the ship building planet. The situation was becoming desperate for the Republic, and Master Plo Koon knew it. Anakin could sense the Kel Dor master's worry as he stared solemnly at the projected global map on the holo-table.
"Trench's forces have overrun our main assembly complex," Plo sighed, earning a look of worry from both Anakin and Commander Wolffe, the later standing just behind his general.
"It won't be long before they take Anaxes, compromising our entire reserve fleet."
The sound of footsteps pulled the three men's attention to the approaching figures of Captain Rex and Commander Cody, who were accompanied by ARC Trooper Fives, whose hair had finally grown back after the inhibitor chip fiasco a month earlier. Truth be told, Fives was actually meant to be on Kamino with Shaak Ti and Nala Se in order to oversee the removal of the inhibitor chips in all clone troopers. Unfortunately, when the Republic learned of the attack on Anaxes, Fives was called in to assist the 501st Legion.
Not that he minded.
He would rather be on the front lines than stuck in surgical ward on Kamino.
"Pardon the interruption Generals," Cody apologized before motioning to the two troopers who accompanied him, "But Rex and Fives have a good theory as to why we keep, uh, losing."
Plo, his curiosity now peaked, leaned in with keen interest.
"You may proceed, Captain," he addressed Rex, who quickly stepped forward toward the holo-table, swiftly typing in a code as he spoke.
"Well, as we all know, the Separatists use analytics to predict our strategies," he began, the holo-table now displaying multiple codes and strategies, as well as outcomes of recent campaigns on Anaxes, "The first time we use a new tactic, it's very effective. The next time, less so. They learn our tendencies and use that data against us. To counter them, Fives and I are constantly working out ways to vary our attacks."
"But the losses we are experiencing on Anaxes, are not commonplace?" Plo inquired.
"Exactly," Rex confirmed, "the droid counter attacks are so specific, it's our strategy the droids know."
"Fives, is this possible?" Anakin inquired, his attention now on Fives, who stepped forward so that he was now right beside Rex.
"Well, as you know, General," Fives began, "Rex and I have studied our battle lines for some time."
Pausing briefly, Fives entered a new code into the system, which brought up a display of different, and noticeably unorthodox strategies.
"We have developed an algorithm to counter all our tactical tendencies, with the hope we could use it to shore up our weaknesses. Since this battle for Anaxes started, the Separatists have always been one step ahead of us. If I'm right, Admiral Trench has our algorithm, and he's using it to predict our strategies."
Upon hearing this, Anakin cast a worried glance toward Plo.
"We have to consider what Fives and Rex are saying," he said to Master Plo, "it would explain the ease with which Trench has been able to defeat us."
It was at this point, Cody spoke up.
"My concern is that Rex and Fives are two of our best," he stated, "if the droids can learn how to defeat them, we may all be vulnerable."
"What do you propose?" Plo inquired, greatly unnerved by the three clones' hypothesis.
"Let Rex, Fives, and me take a small squad behind enemy lines," Cody proposed, "There's an Separatist Cyber Center which relays all battlefield intel to Trench's command ship. If we are going to find anything, it'll be there."
Plo nodded thoughtfully, clearly indicating that he considered the plan to be structurally sound.
"If you think it will turn the tide of this battle," the seasoned master finally said, "get going."
"Thank you General," Rex responded. But instead of immediately turning on his heels, he lingered for a moment, almost as if he were contemplating saying something else. this did not go unnoticed by Anakin, who also took into account that Fives also seemed to be particularly tense.
"Rex, Fives, is there anything else?" Anakin finally inquired of his two best men. Just as it appeared Fives was about to speak, Rex quickly cut him off.
"No, General." With that, the three clones left to put together their team, while a suspicious Anakin looked on. Truth be told, Anakin could sense the overwhelming anxiety and uncertainty radiating from Fives. And not just Fives, but Rex as well. This sudden shift of emotions in his two best men did not sit well with Anakin, who was only pulled out of his musings by a nearby communications officer.
"Generals," he called, pulling the two Jedi's attention to the black-clad trooper, "we are receiving an incoming transmission from Corusaunt."
"Put it through," Plo responded, Anakin joining him by his side as the image of the two most important women in his life appeared. And the young Togruta, upon taking notice of the Kel Dor master beside him, let a huge smile spread across her lips.
"Kotoya Master Plo," Ahsoka said softly, a deep fondness in her voice as she looked upon her oldest friend. And, despite the mask he wore, Ahsoka could tell he was smiling as well.
"Kotoya, Little Soka," the elder Jedi replied with equal fondness, which was greatly amplified as Ahsoka took notice of his second-in-command.
"Hey Wolffe," she greeted playfully.
"Soka," Wolffe responded with a curt nod and a smile, earning a small giggle from Padme, the Naboo senator actually finding the exchange quite endearing.
"To what do we owe the pleasure, Senator Amidala?" Plo finally inquired, clearly noticing the seriousness behind Padme's otherwise tender gaze. Looking to Plo, Padme's smile lessened.
"I was contacting you in regards to your recent transmission, master Plo," she began, reference a recent call for assistance Plo had made. With the battle for Anaxes raging on, the clone forces on the planet had become severely depleted.
"Are reinforcements inbound then?" Anakin inquired, receiving his answer from Ahsoka.
"Yes," she said curtly, her smile now gone as she relayed the news, "Master Unduli and the 41st have been dispatched to assist you. They should arrive within two rotations."
"That is good to hear Little Soka," Plo responded, only to shift the subject to another pressing matter in the Republic.
"And how are matters faring on Corusaunt?"
"Very well," Padme responded, her smile slowly returning as she spoke, "the election for the office of Chancellor is progressing, with several senators having been nominated for the position."
"Who are we looking at?" Anakin inquired, very curious to see if the nominees would prove a great improvement over Palpatine.
"Senators Organa, Mothma and Robb," Padme explained, her relaxed nature conveying to the others that the rooting out of corruption within the senate thanks to the files gathered by Commander Fox had payed off.
"I'm surprised Burtoni or Taa didn't try to through their hands in," Anakin said with a laugh, only for a look of confusion to cross his features as a Padme's smile shift to that of a sly smirk.
"That is because Senators Taa and Burtoni have been arrested for treason."
This greatly surprised the two Jedi and clone commander, who couldn't believe that the information gathered from the late Admiral Tarkin's files was so extensive. But, then again, they weren't complaining. They knew that
"I'm sure Cham Syndulla will be jumping on this opportunity," Wolffe added in, earning a chuckle from Padme.
"He has. When word reached the people of Ryloth, they immediately held an election. He won by a landslide, though this could be expected since he went unopposed."
"And what of the response from the Separatist Parliament?" Plo inquired, curious about a recent transaction that had occurred.
Following the revelation of Palpatine's plot to destroy the Jedi and transform the Republic into an empire, the Republic senate, in a show of good faith, sent the evidence to the Separatist Parliament, hoping that the revelation would have the same effect on the opposing planetary systems. For if the Separatists could see that they had been played as much as the Republic, the war could be brought to a speedy end.
"Yes," Ahsoka answered, "Lux was able to get is into contact with Senator Singh of Raxus. The senator was one of Mina Bonteri's closest allies in the Parliament."
"And?" Anakin inquired, getting a fast response from his wife.
"Senator Singh has said that the evidence has been presented to the Separatist Parliament. And while there are those who say that the evidence has been fabricated, the majority of the congress has accepted these findings. Some of the systems in the Confederacy are said to already be rebelling against the droid army. Even the Separatist Council has gone into hiding along with Dooku."
"So Count Dooku is caught between a war with the Republic, and a civil war within the Confederacy," Plo added.
"Precisely," Padme confirmed, "and although the Parliament has refused aid, or to offer aid, Senator Singh has confirmed that the government will not hinder the Republic, if we will do the same...we agreed to these terms."
"Well, if Dooku's own people are rebelling against him," Anakin surmised, "then that may cause him to divert his forces to handle the uprisings, which would make it easier on us."
"One way or another, Dooku is finished," Ahsoka concluded, sensing great contentment from the two masters.
"Good work Little Soka," Plo praised the young togruta, before turning his attention to Padme.
"I wish you the best of luck senator, and may the force be with you."
Sending the kel dor an appreciative smile and nod, Padme cut off the transmission, leaving her and Ahsoka alone in her office within the senate building. But one thing greatly unnerved her about Ahsoka's behavior, especially when Ahsoka turned away from the holo-table and began to make her way to the door. Truth be told, Ahsoka had planned to tell Anakin about a mission that she, Lux and Fox would be going on to further flush out the corruption deeply embedded in the Republic. As it turns out, Sidious had secret dealings with criminal syndicates, creating another war in the Corusaunt under-city for the Jedi to fight.
And Ahsoka, with the help of Fox, had manged to trace one of the transactions of one of the many secret dealings that had transpired. And if Ahsoka could gather more information from the recipient, then the more corruption she could unearth.
"You didn't tell Anakin about your mission to Oba Diah."
This made Ahsoka stop dead in her tracks. And after a long minute of silence, she finally spoke up.
"I didn't want to worry him...you shouldn't worry either Padme."
Turning back toward the human senator, Ahsoka approached the woman who she looked up to as an older sister. Approaching the clearly distressed politician, Ahsoka took both of Padme's hands into hers, gently tracing her thumbs over Padme's pale knuckles. And despite having her reservations about the mission, Padme knew that she couldn't talk Ahsoka out of it.
A trait inherited from her husband and Ahsoka's former master.
"Just be careful Ahsoka," Padme said worriedly, pulling the young togruta into a tight embrace, one which was returned by Ahsoka, who after a few moments pulled away before making her way out of the office, but not before giving a final piece of comfort to Padme, who only laughed at the sense of humor her husband instilled in the young woman.
"I will be careful...can't say the same for Fox and Lux."
With that, Ahsoka left the office and began her trek to one of the lower hangers, where an unmarked, beat up freighter was waiting. At the ramp of said freighter was Fox and Lux, the two dressed in attire that was a far contrast from their usual armor and senatorial robes. Really, the two just looked like regular junkers, grease smeared over their faces, Fox's usually slicked back hair matching Lux's in a ruffled mess, and goggles over his eyes.
"So we're all clear on the plan boys?" Ahsoka called, causing the two men to turn there attention to Ahsoka, who at this point was wearing a grease-stained blue mechanic's uniform, complete with a brown leather headdress, finger-less gloves, and grubby boots.
"Yeah Ahsoka," Fox confirmed, addressing Ahsoka by name after the latter broke him of the habit of calling her "Madame Tano."
"Once we land at the port outside of the Palace on Oba Diah, the senator and I will create a diversion so you can sneak into their communication center and retrieve whatever data you need."
"Right," Ahsoka confirmed, boarding the ship as she continued to speak.
"Once I get what I need, I'll signal you both to meet back at the ship. Once that is all said and done, we get out of there before the Pykes are none the wiser."
By this point, Ahsoka and Fox were seated at the controls, the ship purring to life as Lux stood between them, the young senator actually maintaining a look of uncertainty on his face.
"I hope this plan works," he openly voiced as the ship began to take off, his words causing a new wave of uneasiness to sweep over Ahsoka, who just stared out of the main view-port of the freighter.
"I hope so, too," she whispered to herself as the ship quickly made it's way out of the atmosphere before jumping into hyperspace.
Meanwhile, back on Anaxes, Fives found himself alone in the mobile barracks reserved for the 501st. Such circumstances were actually very welcome to him, as it allowed him time to think in relative peace. But what he was thinking about was tearing at his soul. On instinct, Fives reached into his ammo belt, procuring a personal holo-disc. Activating the disc, Fives placed the small device on the cold durasteel floor, waiting for the person at the other end of the transmission to pick up.
"She always knows what to say," Fives told himself.
After a few more moments, Fives' transmission was answered int he form of the blue projection of, in his opinion, the most beautiful red skinned Togruta he had ever seen, dressed in her traditional Jedi robes, the brown material still clearly visible despite the blue hue of the hologram. Her long montrals and lekku, as Fives observed, gave an air of regalia, making the beautiful creature before him look like a queen. But then again, any man thinks that of the love of his life.
"Fives, sweetling," the togruta finally spoke, "it is so good to see you."
Fives smiled at his wife's beaming face.
"And I'm so happy to see you, Ti," Fives responded somewhat sadly, which of course did not go unnoticed by the ever insightful Shaak Ti.
"What's wrong, dear?" She inquired with a frown, earning a sigh from Fives who, after a moment, finally revealed what he need to talk about.
"I think Echo is alive."
Upon hearing this rather farfetched statement from her lover, Shaak Ti's shock quickly turned into concern, thinking Fives' might be going crazy.
"Fives," she began tentatively, "it is not possible. Echo died at the Citadel."
Fives had to admit that he did not expect his girlfriend to believe him, even though a ridiculous theory he had over a month earlier practically saved the Jedi Order and brought down the Sith Lord plotting it's demise. But just like back then, he had to push his luck if it meant anyone would believe him.
"Ti, hear me out," he began, "the way the droids are countering our plans, the strategies they're using, they're all old battle plans Echo and I drew up together."
"Fives," Shaak Ti interrupted, shaking her head in disbelief, "I want believe you, but it's just not possible."
Feeling rather dejected, Fives allowed his shoulders to slump as he let out a long sigh. Seeing her husband in this state, no matter the situation, was enough to make her heart bleed for him.
"But," she finally began to admit, catching Fives' attention as he looked at her flickering image, "it wouldn't be the first time you may be right about a ridiculous idea." Fives couldn't help but laugh at Shaak Ti's statement. It was at that moment he could make out the faint sound of activity through the hologram.
"How's everything faring on Kamino?" Fives inquired about the operation on the water-covered world. Shaak Ti let out a forced laugh as she answered.
"Stressful, but Nala Se and I are making progress," she said. "We had started on the graduating cadets before they shipped actually just finished two rotations ago and will be moving onto the younger batches."
Upon hearing this, Fives couldn't help but smile at the news. The smile quickly fell however as the sound of clattering metal could be heard through the hologram.
"WATCH TIN CAN!" an aggravated clone could be heard yelling from the background, followed by an automated voice that Fives instantly recognized.
"I am dreadfully sorry CT-..."
"IT'S DAX! HOW MANY TIMES DO I HAVE TO TELL YOU?!" the clone could be heard yelling. But Fives was more interested in the robotic voice he had just heard.
"AZI?" He inquired through the hologram, receiving quite a surprise when a new form appeared beside Shaak Ti, he beamed brightly at the droid as he quickly recognized the ARC Trooper before him.
"OH!" AZI-3 exclaimed, the round sensors on his face-plate seeming to grow brighter as he looked upon Fives.
"HELLO ARC TROOPER FIVES! It is very good to see that you are still fully functioning after your inhibitor chip was removed and were nearly executed."
Fives couldn't help but roll his eyes at the droid's serious lack of bedside manner. But, he would just put it down to AZI's programming.
"Yes AZI," Fives responded with a laugh, "I'm just fine. I'm actually more surprised to see you haven't gotten your memory wiped."
"OH I DID! But Mistress Shaak Ti actually helped to recover it. As she put it, my memories added to my 'Interesting Personality.'"
"Is that so?" Fives jokingly inquired as he cast his gaze to Shaak Ti, who only sent him a playful smile. But, the conversation was once a again interrupted by another voice, one that seemed further off as Fives could barely hear it. But, one thing he did notice, and he didn't know why, is that it seemed...
Different.
"AZI! CAN YOU COME HELP ME WITH THESE CANISTERS!"
"OH!" AZI exclaimed, quickly exiting the hologram.
"COMING MISS OMEGA!"
This greatly peaked Fives' interest.
"Omega?"
Catching onto her love's confusion, Shaak Ti's smile melted into one of tender adoration.
"Nala Se's medical assistant. She's a genetically modified clone, created from the first generation DNA of Jango Fett."
"A...FEMALE clone?"
Shaak Ti gave a smile nod, her smile growing as she turned her head as if to call after someone...
Which she did.
"Omega," she called gently, "could you come over here for a moment."
And through the hologram, Fives could here the faint sound of small feet moving quickly over to Shaak Ti, only for his eyes to go wide the moment that an adolescent human female came into view, her blonde hair, held back by a kaminoan headdress similar to that of Nala Se's, a stark contrast to the usual black associated with a Jango Fett clone. The girl also appeared to be dressed in garb that resembled a normal cadet uniform, only in the colors of medical personnel on Kamino.
But her eyes, as Fives noticed, were the same deep brown that he and all of his brother's shared...
And were wide with curiosity and glee.
"YOU'RE ARC TROOPER FIVES!"
Fives actually flinched at the high-pitched squeal that came from the child, his own eyes going wide at the exorbitant amount of energy radiating from the child. But, once the shock had worn off, Five's actually let out small chuckle as he knelt down, coming face-to-holographic face with this fascinating girl.
"And you're Omega."
The girl actually giggled, a bashful smile on her face, which Fives was surprised to see through the hue of the hologram was blushing. Fives pretended not to notice, and gave a half-smirk as he continued to speak to the young clone.
"I hope you're keeping an eye on things over there."
But just as Omega went to speak, a new voice joined the conversation, followed by the appearance of the chief medical scientist on Kamino, prompting Fives to stand to his feet.
"Of course. Her genetic modifications include a state of heightened awareness...Hello again Fives."
"Mistress Nala Se," Fives responded with a kind cordial nod and kind smile, a gesture which was returned by the kaminoan.
"I trust you are well?" Nala Se inquired.
"As well as I can be in war-zone," Fives responded, earning him the privilege of being one of the few to actually hear Nala Se give a genuine chuckle.
"Indeed," she responded, before turning to Shaak Ti.
"Forgive the interruption General, but there is much work to do. Come along Omega."
Doing as she was told, Omega turned to join Nala Se, but not before giving Fives an eager wave goodbye, one which he returned without hesitation. And once the girl was out of sight, Fives took a few moments to stair longingly into his love's eyes, with said togruta returning the gaze.
"I love you, Ti," Fives whispered.
"I love you too, Fives," Shaak Ti answered back, waiting a few seconds before ending the connection, leaving Fives alone in the barracks once again. But not for long. With a hiss, the door to the barracks opened, allowing Rex and Cody to enter, wrapped up in what appeared to be a very interesting conversation.
" I didn't want to tell the Generals cause they would have thought Fives and I were crazy."
Just from that one sentence uttered by Rex, Fives instantly knew what the two were talking about.
"You talking about Echo being alive?" Both commanding officers, who had only just stopped five feet short of Fives, looked at the latter in shock.
"How did you..." Cody began before being cut off by Fives.
"I just talked to Ti," Fives said sadly, looking to Rex "I think she thinks we're cray, too."
Even taking in his brother's dejected expression, Cody knew now was not the time to be thinking of ridiculous theories.
"You two have to admit what you are suggesting is a long shot," he quipped, "and most likely misplaced hope. I need you both to be focused."
Realizing he was going to get nowhere with his theory, Fives let out a loud sigh as he relented.
"I know, I know," he conceded, "don't worry."
Satisfied with the answer, Cody turned toward the door to the barracks. But before he could get too far, he was topped by Rex.
"What squad are we taking in?" he inquired. With a sly smile, Cody turned toward the duo as he answered.
"Clone Force 99."
"I've heard mixed things about these guys," Jesse told Kix as they both sat on the ramp leading to the barracks.
"They have a one hundred percent success rate," Kix responded as Cody, Rex and Fives exited the barracks, made their way down the ramp, and started walking toward the airfield. Jumping to their feet, the two clones followed close behind their brothers.
"It's not THAT they win," Jesse began as a rebuttal, "it's HOW they win that concerns me."
Just as Jesse made that statement, an unmarked shuttle rapidly descended onto the airfield, causing machinery, crates, and clones to go flying from the the sudden, powerful draft of air that was thrown at them. Raising their arms to shield their faces from the blast of air, accompanied by the dust it kicked up, the quartet of clones came to a stop as they stared at the vessel, which from outward appearance appeared to be a modified Omicron-class attack shuttle.
"Certainly know how to make an entrance," Fives sarcastically commented.
"Well it doesn't exactly scream Republic does it," Jesse added, taking in the unique vessel.
Rex, on the other hand, was still far from impressed.
"So why haven't I heard of this squad?" Rex inquired gesturing to the ship.
"Experimental Unit Clone Force 99," Cody began, "they're defective clones with, uh, desirable mutations."
"99, eh?" Fives inquired, a reminiscent look on his face, "nice touch."
Cody smiled at his brother before turning his attention back to the shuttle.
"They call themselves The Bad Batch." Just as those words left Cody's mouth, a hatch located on the side of the shuttle suddenly opened. Stepping down the ramp, the group of clones took in what could only be described as a team of Clone Commandos, only their armor appeared modified, almost as if it could take a direct hit from the main canon of an AT-TE.
"THE CALVARY HAS ARRIVED!"
Upon hearing a loud and very brash voice, the clones on the airfield looked to see a hulking figure begin his descent down the ramp of the strange looking shuttle. But the shuttle wasn't the only thing that was strange. Once the new arrivals had taken off their helmets, Rex and the others, save for Cody, could see what the latter meant about "defective."
"These guys are clones?" Kix inquired, shocked at how unlike the rest of them, these clones faces seemed to have different structures all together.
"They don't look like clones to me," Fives chipped in, quirking an eyebrow as the commandos drew closer.
"Genetic modifications," Cody said over his shoulder, a matter-of-fact tone in his voice, "they're clones, but they all don't look alike. Obviously."
"Yeah," Kix replied with sarcasm, "obviously."
This is certainly going to be interesting, Fives though to himself.
And he was right.
After being introduced to the Bad Batch, which consisted of the long-haired, tattooed-faced leader Hunter, the muscular demolitions expert Wrecker, the goggled, electronics wiz Tech, and the lithe, grey-haired sniper Crosshair, the group set off toward the Separatist cyber-center. Unfortunately, before they were even halfway to their destination, their gunship was shot down by spider droids, killing the pilots and critically injuring Cody, who was rescued thanks to Wrecker's super-human strength. After dispatching a patrol of droids charging the crash site, the group of clones decided to continue their journey on foot. But, when night fell, it was too dark to continue.
Unfortunately, with Cody's injuries, Rex realized time was of the essence. After calling an evac for Cody, who would be looked after by Kix, Rex assumed command of the operation. However, a brief scuffle broke out between the two squads after Crosshair insulted Rex's tactical expertise. But, after a scolding from Hunter, the group realized that they should not be fighting each other, as it was counter productive to the mission. The next morning, after Cody and Kix were taken back to base, the remaining clones came upon a towering structure; an outpost.
"Should we take it?" inquired Hunter as the group took cover behind some trees.
"Probably easier than going around," Fives conceded.
"All right, How do you guys wanna do this? Pick off from the treeline line by one?" Thinking it over, Rex came tot he conclusion that a more unorthodox tatcic was needed.
"Actually," he began, a bit of mischief in his voice, "I was thinking we take a page from your book; rush 'em head on."
Hunter liked the sound of that.
"I like your style." Needless to say, the squad managed to successfully capture the outpost before moving on tot he cyber center and, thanks to some brilliant tactics, managed to infiltrate the complex. Unfortunately, the group was forced to retreat after discovering that the algorithm was not being relayed through a program, but through a live signal from Skako Minor. But Fives had to know something before leaving.
"Tech, find out who is sending that signal," he asked the young hacker, "ask who that is." With a few adjustments and newly imputed codes, Tech found what he was looking for.
"CT-1409," a voice repeatedly sounded over the central computer, making Fives' eyes go wide in disbelief.
"No," Fives rasped out, a few tears coming to his eyes, "it can't be." At that point, Rex had entered the room to retrieve Fives and Tech, only to freeze when he heard what was being played on the computer. But, with droid reinforcements closing in, Rex knew there was no time to dwell on this discovery.
"Fives, come on," he silently urged the still in shock ARC Trooper, finally succeeded in pulling the latter away from the console. Now, the team was on their way back to Republic Lines on a Separatist Speeder commandeered by Crosshair. The ride back was in relative silence, that is until tech inquired something of Rex.
"That number, Cap," he began tentatively, his intuition telling him it was a touchy subject, if Rex and Fives' reactions were any indication, "what does it mean?"
Before Rex could answer, Fives began to speak in a pained whisper as tears ran down his cheeks.
"CT-1409. That was Echo's number. He's alive."